Alliance Backs Effort to Strengthen USMCA and Preserve North American Trade
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Aug 14, 2026

As Congress and the administration continue discussions on the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), PRINTING United Alliance joined a broad coalition of businesses and trade associations in endorsing a letter to lawmakers highlighting the importance of preserving and strengthening North American trade. The group emphasized that Canada and Mexico remain two of the United States' most important trading partners and that a strong, modernized USMCA is critical to U.S. manufacturing, supply chains, exports, and job growth. 

The endorsement came as Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-2) led the congressional letter, signed by 168 House lawmakers, supporting the administration's approach to the USMCA Joint Review process. The letter acknowledged the agreement's economic benefits while urging the administration to secure improvements that expand market access, address trade barriers, strengthen North American competitiveness, and confront unfair trade practices. Rep. Yakym sits on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over U.S. trade policy.   

For the printing industry, trade with Canada and Mexico plays a vital role in supporting integrated supply chains, customer relationships, and access to key materials and products. Canada is the leading global supplier of raw paper and paperboard inputs, totaling $6.59 billion in 2025, vital for U.S. printing presses, while Mexico serves as a key manufacturing and nearshoring partner. The coalition letter underscored that trade certainty across North America encourages investment, supports manufacturing jobs, and helps businesses of all sizes compete globally. 

While the United States, Canada, and Mexico did not reach agreement on an immediate extension during the July 1, 2026, Joint Review, the USMCA remains in effect through 2036 as negotiations continue. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that the U.S. wants to secure commitments from Mexico and, Canada that improve market access for American producers before agreeing to a renewal. Other outcomes being sought by the U.S. include addressing new actions taken by Mexico and Canada that harm American manufacturers, agriculture, services providers, and workers and confronting unfair trade and investment practices from third countries that seek to undermine the North American economy and threaten American jobs. 

Business groups, including the Alliance, have stressed the importance of maintaining strong economic ties with America's North American partners and ensuring that any updates to the agreement continue to support growth, innovation, and regional competitiveness. 

The Alliance will continue advocating for policies that support free and fair trade, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and preserve the integrated North American marketplace that many print service providers rely on every day. 

The government affairs team will continue to monitor developments in the USMCA review process and keep members informed as negotiations among the United States, Canada, and Mexico move forward. 

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the status of the USMCA. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislationor reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.     

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.   

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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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